SOUTHEAST ASIA BUILDING21 Jul 2025
Singapore Archifest 2025 Enters Final Week of Celebrations in Katong-Joo Chiat
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Singapore Archifest (SGAF) 2025 is set to conclude its highly successful run on 27 July 2025. As the festival approaches its grand finale, the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) invites everyone to immerse themselves in the remaining specially curated and free public programmes under SGAF+, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday (SG60) and appreciate the architectural tapestry of the Katong-Joo Chiat precinct.

SGAF 2025 has exceeded expectations, drawing unprecedented public interest and participation. The festival’s highly anticipated ArchiTours, Beyond the Facade: Secrets of Katong, Stories In Stone and Lighting Detectives tours have sold out, even with additional dates added to meet overwhelming demand. The YAL Human Narratives programme also saw fantastic engagement, reinforcing the festival’s mission to connect architecture with everyday lives. 

The Singapore AF Conference and Expo, which took place from 25 to 27 June at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, welcomed over 3,000 participants. They had the opportunity to hear from an impressive lineup of speakers, including two Pritzker laureates, Riken Yamamoto and Eduardo Souto de Moura, and non-architectural trailblazers like fashion designer Samuel Ross, Chef Rishi Naleendra, and DJ Dean Chew.

The festival also hosted the highly anticipated SG60 Architects Roundtable, bringing together over 60 local architects—a remarkable cross-section of pioneers, trailblazers, educators, and emerging talents—who, for the first time, openly shared their unbuilt works and engaged in frank discussions about designing a better future for Singapore.

On 18 July 2025, Festival Director of SGAF 2025, Ar. Rene Tan commented, “We’re thrilled by the public’s enthusiastic response to Singapore Archifest 2025. The festival has truly succeeded in bringing together built environment professionals for invaluable peer learning, while also engaging the public to think deeper about how architecture impacts their daily lives. The success of our tours and programmes demonstrates a real appetite for understanding how our built environment shapes our identity, and we invite everyone to continue being part of its evolution.”

“As we enter the final 10 days, we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating SG60 through our remaining activities that are open to all, particularly in the colourful Katong-Joo Chiat area.”

Discover the Heart of Katong-Joo Chiat

In collaboration with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), SGAF+ has spotlighted the vibrant Katong-Joo Chiat precinct. The iconic neighbourhood, with its eclectic mix of colourful heritage shophouses and hyper-modern buildings, serves as a powerful testament to Singapore’s 60-year journey. Thoughtful urban planning and design have brought the Historic East Identity Corridor to life, preserving the past while embracing the future.

Immerse yourself in the remaining programmes at ArchiHouse and beyond. Don’t miss some of these engaging and free activities for all ages before ArchiHouse closes its doors on 27 July!

Crocheting Workshop with Edwin Goh

26 July & 2 August

ArchiHouse, 341 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427593

Join actor and artist Edwin Goh in a unique crocheting workshop, limited to 10 participants over two sessions. This creative community workshop aims to create a fun and accessible way for everyone to contribute to a collaborative panel that will be installed at the ArchiPavilion.

To submit your interest, email edwin.g@unraveland.com.

Resourcity Game

26 July, 3 to 5 PM at Singapore Sustainability Academy

180 Kitchener Road, #06-10, Singapore 208539

Developed by The Circle for Human Sustainability, Resourcity is a strategic board game that challenges players to collaboratively build a self-sustaining and resilient city by addressing energy and resource constraints. It is an interactive and educational experience for budding urban planners and environmental enthusiasts of all ages.

To sign up, visit https://peatix.com/event/4501746.

Exhibitions at ArchiHouse

From now until 27 July. Opens daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

341 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427953

Ever wondered if you could farm chickens on the sea, or what architects do in their free time? Before ArchiHouse closes, satisfy your curiosity by visiting these thought-provoking exhibitions:

  • Long Island Exhibition: This exhibition showcases groundbreaking speculative design proposals from the NUS Master of Arts in Urban Design (MAUD) and the university’s Landscape Architecture students. Their work envisions a sustainable future for Singapore’s Long Island, integrating urban subsistence farming and innovative natural processes. Projects like prawn harvesting, playscapes, and jellyfish farms redefine the island’s potential beyond utilitarian functions, promoting food security and climate resilience.
  • ArchiArt: Discover the surprising, multi-faceted talents of architects beyond blueprints. This showcase features the artistic expressions of participating architects, including photography and paintings by Sofwan, Juliana Chan, Lee Hui Lian, Lim Cheng Kooi, Melvin Tan, Mark Wee, Ng San Son, and Ng Yi Loong, offering a glimpse into their other passions.
  • Historic East Identity Corridor by URA: Gain insights into the plans for this Identity Corridor with this exhibition, as part of URA’s Draft Master Plan 2025, which outlines strategies to shape it alongside residents and stakeholders for more authentic and sustainable outcomes as it continues to evolve.

Public Installations around Katong-Joo Chiat

Look forward to more public installations as we transition into the National Day month of August. The spirit of SGAF 2025 lives on through a series of public installations developed in collaboration with URA, SUTD, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, and SAA Architects.

Two striking installations, Trace and the ArchiPavilion, are already delighting the public. Get ready for three more exciting additions: Kueh Kueh at Katong, The Jetty, and Sit in with Tiffin, which will be progressively installed from August onwards. 

These semi-permanent installations, supported by URA and the Lively Places Fund, arose from feedback during URA’s Historic East engagements. More than mere adornments, these installations are designed to enliven and create more memorable public spaces for all to enjoy by weaving visual narratives and the historical significance of Katong and Joo Chiat’s rich cultural heritage. They will remain accessible to the public for up to two years.

For more information on programmes and locations, visit archifest.sg or instagram.com/singaporearchifest.